Keim Lumber celebrates 100 years in business with special sale event
Since 1911, Keim Lumber, then known as Keim Brothers, has been serving the building material needs of the region and beyond. Mose J. Keim and his brother John set up a sawmill, and soon after, built a two-story planing mill for manufacturing finish lumber. It’s 100 years later and a part of this building is still being used today.
Mose’s son, Roman, took an interest in the business and the name changed to M. J. Keim and Son in the 1930s. The business survived the depression and in the 1940s added new products like plywood, built a small dry kiln, and constructed the first of many storage sheds. In the 1950s, M. J. Keim and Son began manufacturing hardwood flooring, expanded the buildings and added an office and hardware store.
During the 1960s, present owner and president, Bill Keim, Roman’s son, joined the team and the business became known as Keim Lumber Company. In the 1970s, a new store was built up on the hill. In the 1980s, the building was expanded to 30,000 square feet of show room. Finally, in 2007, the present 120,000-square-foot showroom was opened.
From an original workforce of five people, Keim Lumber has increased to more than 360 employees, including Bill’s son Robbie Keim, who as vice president, represents the fourth generation of the Keim family to be involved in the business.
Keim Lumber has enjoyed years of growth thanks to the excellent customer base. Bill Keim said, “Looking back, sales have tripled from 1990 to 2010, with a 30 percent increase in the last 10 years, even in 2010 with the economic difficulties.”
Keim’s centennial celebration will include the giving away of a $10,000 gift card, a $5,000 gift card, and one of three replica grandfather clocks commissioned by the family to look like the grandfather clock of Mose Keim, the company’s founder, constructed in the early 1900s.
Customers will be treated to 10 percent off on almost everything in the store. If a customer spends $50 or more, they receive a historical, commemorative bronze souvenir coin. Customers are invited to make their own souvenir for just 50 cents on Keim’s penny press.
Keim’s 100th anniversary event has something for the entire family. Kids will enjoy face painting, balloons and free popsicles while supplies last. A real life carpenter statue will strike various poses throughout the store. For NASCAR fans, the Stanley-DeWalt race car will be on display Friday.
On April 5 and 6, Keim Lumber visited area elementary schools for their balloon drop. Students were each given a balloon, as well as a centennial sale invitation postcard to fill out with their name and grade. The balloons were then launched into the air and anyone in the area that happens to find one is encouraged to mail it back to Keim. A winning student whose balloon traveled the farthest will receive a $30 gift card to Keim Lumber, and one overall winner picked from all the participants will receive a $15 gift card.
Keim Lumber is a building materials showroom that is beautiful and unrivaled according to industry executives who have traveled the country and the world.
John Swaffer, advertising manager for Keim Lumber, said, “Keim Lumber is committed to personal service from knowledgeable staff members. Many of our staff has extensive experience in home building, decorating, etc. Visiting our facility is more like going to a fine furniture showroom than a warehouse. The building sports cherry trim, spacious well-lit aisles, many displays for you to touch and experience, and staff that are friendly and knowledgeable. Even the trip through rolling Amish country is enjoyable. You can even enjoy a delicious meal in the Carpenter’s Café. Though we are a ‘lumber company’ both men and ladies find the shopping experience very enjoyable. Keim has so much for the home.”
A piece of history is waiting to be discovered in Amish country. Bill, Robbie and the entire Keim family say thank you to the many loyal customers from near and far who have contributed to the 100-year success of Keim Lumber Company. The entire staff of Keim Lumber invites guests to come out April 13-16. Experience the success of another family-owned and operated business in our great country.
Keim Lumber is located at 4465 SR 557 at Charm.
Mose’s son, Roman, took an interest in the business and the name changed to M. J. Keim and Son in the 1930s. The business survived the depression and in the 1940s added new products like plywood, built a small dry kiln, and constructed the first of many storage sheds. In the 1950s, M. J. Keim and Son began manufacturing hardwood flooring, expanded the buildings and added an office and hardware store.
During the 1960s, present owner and president, Bill Keim, Roman’s son, joined the team and the business became known as Keim Lumber Company. In the 1970s, a new store was built up on the hill. In the 1980s, the building was expanded to 30,000 square feet of show room. Finally, in 2007, the present 120,000-square-foot showroom was opened.
From an original workforce of five people, Keim Lumber has increased to more than 360 employees, including Bill’s son Robbie Keim, who as vice president, represents the fourth generation of the Keim family to be involved in the business.
Keim Lumber has enjoyed years of growth thanks to the excellent customer base. Bill Keim said, “Looking back, sales have tripled from 1990 to 2010, with a 30 percent increase in the last 10 years, even in 2010 with the economic difficulties.”
Keim’s centennial celebration will include the giving away of a $10,000 gift card, a $5,000 gift card, and one of three replica grandfather clocks commissioned by the family to look like the grandfather clock of Mose Keim, the company’s founder, constructed in the early 1900s.
Customers will be treated to 10 percent off on almost everything in the store. If a customer spends $50 or more, they receive a historical, commemorative bronze souvenir coin. Customers are invited to make their own souvenir for just 50 cents on Keim’s penny press.
Keim’s 100th anniversary event has something for the entire family. Kids will enjoy face painting, balloons and free popsicles while supplies last. A real life carpenter statue will strike various poses throughout the store. For NASCAR fans, the Stanley-DeWalt race car will be on display Friday.
On April 5 and 6, Keim Lumber visited area elementary schools for their balloon drop. Students were each given a balloon, as well as a centennial sale invitation postcard to fill out with their name and grade. The balloons were then launched into the air and anyone in the area that happens to find one is encouraged to mail it back to Keim. A winning student whose balloon traveled the farthest will receive a $30 gift card to Keim Lumber, and one overall winner picked from all the participants will receive a $15 gift card.
Keim Lumber is a building materials showroom that is beautiful and unrivaled according to industry executives who have traveled the country and the world.
John Swaffer, advertising manager for Keim Lumber, said, “Keim Lumber is committed to personal service from knowledgeable staff members. Many of our staff has extensive experience in home building, decorating, etc. Visiting our facility is more like going to a fine furniture showroom than a warehouse. The building sports cherry trim, spacious well-lit aisles, many displays for you to touch and experience, and staff that are friendly and knowledgeable. Even the trip through rolling Amish country is enjoyable. You can even enjoy a delicious meal in the Carpenter’s Café. Though we are a ‘lumber company’ both men and ladies find the shopping experience very enjoyable. Keim has so much for the home.”
A piece of history is waiting to be discovered in Amish country. Bill, Robbie and the entire Keim family say thank you to the many loyal customers from near and far who have contributed to the 100-year success of Keim Lumber Company. The entire staff of Keim Lumber invites guests to come out April 13-16. Experience the success of another family-owned and operated business in our great country.
Keim Lumber is located at 4465 SR 557 at Charm.
Published: April 4, 2011
